Being Frank: musicians like you've never heard them before

A Fresh Take on Timeless Tunes

Our artist interview blog is all about getting to know the musicians who are part of our upcoming albums and shows. These are the artists you’ll hear on our records and see on stage, and we wanted to give you a chance to meet them a little more personally.

First up is Flying High: Still Soaring, a tribute to the jazz canaries who helped this music take flight and continue to inspire us today. There’s no better place to start than with Champian Fulton. She’s a well-known pianist and vocalist on today’s jazz scene, and she also happens to be the bandleader for both our album and our show.

Champian Fulton

A jazz pianist and vocalist for more than 20 years, Champian has released 19 albums as a leader and has performed in more than 25 countries, both in concert and on TV. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Album of the Year in the NYC Jazz Record (2018, 2020, 2023) and Pianist and Vocalist of the Year (2019) by Hot House Magazine. She regularly appears in both the Jazz Journalist Awards and Downbeats Rising Star Critics Poll.

For this interview, we gave Champian our Off Beat Questionnaire and invited her to answer as many questions as she liked. It’s just a light, informal way to hear from the artist in her own words. And now, here’s Champian…

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you during a gig? Or what has been your strangest gig?

This is a tough question! I once flew to England to play a private party in the summertime, and a Jazz aged theme and everyone was wearing the fanciest outfits I'd ever seen. They were a boating club or something like that, and at the end of the evening everyone had to row a boat to Cognac Island for dessert and coffee. I remember being in the rowboat in my gown with my bassist and drummer, both in tuxedoes, and the bass player was just shrieking that we were going to drown. But the pond was only about 4 feet deep! It was the funniest thing ever. The real trip was you had to row BACK after dessert! My gosh. That was a party. 

What’s the weirdest thing someone has ever said or asked you after hearing your music?

People say, ‘Oh I love your music! What’s it called?’ I say ‘Jazz.’ They go, ‘That can’t be, I hate jazz!’ This happens a lot.”

Do you have a superstition or ritual that you absolutely swear by before performing?

No, not really. I just like to get a few minutes to myself before I go onstage so I can hum as a warm up and also to clear my head. Too much time alone and I get nervous, but about 10 to 15 minutes is perfect. 

What’s the most ridiculous piece of advice you’ve ever gotten about your music career, and did you actually try it?

Ah, well, no I didn't try it. When I moved to NYC a lot of people thought that singing and playing the piano was too complicated artistically but also that it wasn't very "feminine." A lot of people advised me to give up the piano and switch to stand-up singing, which is maybe what people told Carmen McRae too? But I love playing and singing too much to change. 

If you had to choose a completely different career path, what would you do?

When I was little, I really wanted to go into law so I could go into politics! I love history and debating, I thought that would be very interesting. But I've wanted to be a Jazz musician since 5 years old, so I was never very serious about anything else. 

What’s your guilty TV pleasure?

I really love a historical drama. I could LIVE off of "The Crown" and "Downton Abbey." 

Red or white? Or cocktail?

Campari and soda! Classic and easy. Also red, which is festive. I love to pick my drinks based on their color. 

If you could only wear one outfit on every gig from now on, what would it be?

The light blue chiffon dress that Grace Kelly wears in "To Catch a Thief." 

What’s the most random thing that can make your day better?

I LOVE having a nice conversation with strangers, about anything. Bonus points if I can make someone smile. 

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’re absolutely determined to check off?

Playing in Japan!! I really want to tour Japan! Somebody please help me make this happen! 

What’s your go-to way to procrastinate when you’re avoiding something important?

I can procrastinate with the best of them, and I think scrolling is always an option, but I love to "run errands." When I'm "running errands" like this, usually I go to the library, maybe buy a nice coffee, stop by Bloomingdales, take a walk in the park. This is how I avoid when I want to avoid. I feel like I'm doing something but really I'm killing time. 

What was your first gig?

When I was ten years old, Clark Terry hired me to play at his 75th Birthday party. He was best friends with my father and my parents were hosting the party. At the time I had a band of kids, we were all under the age of 12. We played one set at the beginning of the party and Clark sat in the front and listened to us.

Champian Fulton with Clark Terry

It was really fun and a great memory. Clark paid me, I think each sideman got $50 and I got $100 because I was the leader and Clark told me the leader should always make double, haha. Clark loved to carry a giant wad of cash around with him, usually multiple currencies, and I remember he counted the bills out for me on top of my Barbie playhouse. I had the playhouse with the elevator that operated with a string. I was really into Jazz and really into Barbies at the time. 

Do you have a favorite old movie or movie star?

These days it's hard to define "old movie!" I hear people talk about "When Harry Met Sally" as an old movie, which it is not! My favorite actor from the golden era is James Arness because my favorite TV show is Gunsmoke. So good. He's so handsome and had such a beautiful voice, and so tall! He was more of a TV star but I think he counts. My favorite classic movie is "It's a Wonderful Life." I watch it every year. 

Looking for more of Champian’s music? Start HERE

Hear some clips of Champian on our new album "Flying High: Still Soaring" HERE